A civil society group, Independent Hajj Reporters, has advised President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to act with caution following the resignation of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman. The group warned that any rushed decision could negatively affect preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its chairman, Muhammad Ibrahim, said most of the key arrangements for the 2025 Hajj have already been completed. These include pilgrim registration, logistics coordination, and operational planning. He stressed that officials who have been directly involved in these processes should be allowed to continue managing the exercise to avoid disruption.

The group recommended that the Federal Government appoint an acting chairman from within the current NAHCON structure. According to Ibrahim, such a person should be competent, experienced, and free from corruption allegations. He said this would ensure stability while allowing time for the appointment of a substantive chairman with a strong track record in Hajj administration.

While supporting the government’s decision to accept the former chairman’s resignation due to internal conflicts and allegations, the CSO warned against bringing in an entirely new leader from outside the system at this stage. It noted that starting afresh could jeopardise the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, stressing that continuity and informed leadership are crucial for a successful 2025 Hajj.